Largest-ever SSL C200 series console to go live with Letterman

UK/US/KOREA: It's been a busy few weeks for the Oxford-based console manufacturer with news of two major installations and the introduction of a 'powerful' PCIe format card for the Duende plug-in platform. Heading the install news is the announcement that CBS is soon to take delivery of a 96-fader C296 digital production console, reportedly constituting the largest C200 series console in the world, reports David Davies.

UK/US/KOREA: It's been a busy few weeks for the Oxford-based console manufacturer with news of two major installations and the introduction of a 'powerful' PCIe format card for the Duende plug-in platform. Heading the install news is the announcement that CBS is soon to take delivery of a 96-fader C296 digital production console, reportedly constituting the largest C200 series console in the world, reports David Davies.

The console has been purchased for use on CBS flagship entertainment programme Late Show with David Letterman. It will be installed in host venue the Ed Sullivan Theatre this summer, replacing an SL 4000 G Series desk that has been in service for 15 years.

"With our new format of shooting in HD and mixing in 5.1 surround, the clear choice for a new console was the SSL C296," commented Late Show_ music mixer Harvey Goldberg. "Another reason why we purchased the console was that it delivers the resources necessary for us to mix different music acts during the show, or if not multiple acts, the different songs performed by one act. Working on an analogue console isn't the fastest way to switch between different kinds of set-ups. When we start working with the C296, switching between set-ups will be a push of a button."

Korean broadcaster KBS Group, meanwhile, has opted to remain in the analogue domain with the purchase of a Duality console (with integrated patch bay and redundant PSU option) for use in its music, broadcast and post-production recording/mixing facility, Studio 1625 (house engineer Mr Kim is pictured here with the Duality). The installation is said to mark the first broadcast application for the Duality, which was launched in late 2006.

"In addition to the sonic quality and control and integration advantages, the inclusion of PSU redundancy was a significant factor in Studio 1625's decision, as it will be for other interested broadcasters worldwide," said SSL's regional manager, Tim Harrison.

Finally, in product news, SSL has announced the introduction of the Duende PCIe format card. Said to provide powerful new high bandwidth processing options for SSL Duende plug-ins, Duende PCIe ships with the 'EQ and Dynamics Channel' and 'Duende Bus Compressor' plug-ins. It is to be made available worldwide through selected resellers this month.

VIETNAM: SSL has announced the purchase of a C200 HD broadcast audio console by Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV), reports PSN-e. Based in Hanoi, VOV is the state radio broadcaster and provides six channels of content encompassing news, cultural programming and music.

DENMARK/US: Baltic Recording Studio in Svaneke, Denmark, has purchased a 48-input Solid State Logic Duality console, said to combine the "analogue sonics" of the E, G, J and K Series desks with extended DAW capabilities. Meanwhile, in other recent SSL-related news, the manufacturer has appointed a new partnership manager in the form of previous product specialist Quinton Nixon, writes David Davies.

HOLLAND: The forthcoming IBC broadcasting and media technology exhibition will find Solid State Logic turning the spotlight on a fresh addition to the C100 Digital Broadcast Console product portfolio. "The C100 HD-S is part of a significant expansion of the platform that goes beyond just releasing the new console," SSL's Dan Duffell tells David Davies.

UK: The Si Series of digital consoles has been joined by a third member, the "even more compact" Si1, reports PSN-e. The Si1 is the latest addition to the highly successful Si Series, which includes the Si3 and Si2, both of which are intended for use in the live performance arena and for fixed installation applications. And in other news at IBC, Studer - partner brand to Soundcraft - made a surprise announcement of a huge sale to the BBC in the UK.

Solid State Logic will unveil its first ever mixing desk for the live and touring environment today at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt. The SSL Live console has been in serious development for the last three years.